The aircraft made by Europe's largest aerospace company are set to be delivered from 2028 to 2032, according to a statement filed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

The Shanghai-based airline, primarily owned by the Chinese government through its parent company, is one of the three largest Chinese carriers.

China Eastern said it signed the deal with Airbus, for which China is a key export market, in Shanghai.

The 101 planes from the A320neo series also include the models A321neo and A321XLR, the airline said, in a deal totalling "approximately US$15.802 billion".

"The specific delivery schedule may be adjusted based on actual circumstances, subject to mutual agreement between both parties," it said.

Chinese firms had previously indicated they would make additional purchases of European planes.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in February when he visited for talks with President Xi Jinping that China had agreed to buy up to 120 additional Airbus aircraft, without specifying when those purchases would take place.